In February 1996 the President signed the Telecommunications Act, which deregulated and opened up the telecommunication market increasing competition in the long distance and other segments. This new law is to enable entry of new players into communication business. It allowed the phone, long distance communication and cable companies to compete over the same services. The beneficiary of all these reforms is eventually the customer who gets more choices and better services at reduced tariff rates.
Under the provisions of the said Act the television manufacturers are also required to include circuitry, which allows parents to shut out programs, which they do not wish their children to watch, featuring violence and other undesirable exposures.
Federal Communications Commission implements this new law. It has set up transparent rules of fair competition for this new era of opening up and deregulation. This body is committed to ensure nation and world wide access to telephone services at affordable rates for all in every nook and corner of the country. Another priority of the Commission is to strictly enforce truth in advertising and billing for the benefit of the consumer.
(More http://www.fcc.gov/telecom.html)
